Ikebana

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to view an amazing Ikebana exhibit. Prior to attending, I always thought of Ikebana as overrated flower arrangement that merely involved flowers stuck in needles. But boy was I wrong - I never imagined the extent to which flower arrangement could indeed be an art.

The exhibit took place at Ikenobo Headquarters in Kyoto, Japan. Ikenobo is the oldest school of Ikebana flower arranging, dating back to the 15th century. This year marks the 550 anniversary of when Ikenobo Ikebana first appeared in historical records. The exhibit I attended was just one event of many to celebrate the occasion, with Ikebana displays crafted by students of the Ikenobo Central Training Institute made open to the public.

Displays ranged from "typical" flowers in vases to wall hangings, outdoor pieces, huge wooden structures, folding screens, tea sets, and more. Mediums included flowers, branches, tree trunks, paper, glass, ceramic - the possibilities for innovation were limitless. Situated before white or pale backgrounds, the arrangements were striking - if only my photos could truly capture their beauty!                                                                                         Most notable of all was what happened when the exhibit closed. 4 PM marked the end of the three-day showcase, and not a minute later, officials already began to clean up the exhibit. I was astounded to see them hastily rip the flowers from vases and stuff them into garbage bags, take chainsaws to the larger wooden displays, and crumple delicate flowers like they were day old newspapers. Alas, I guess such is the impermanence of beauty - ikebana is only meant to be enjoyed at its prime.